Face oils are old hat these days—we’re all fully across the benefits and know that oil doesn’t necessarily make us more oily. But; forget your standard oils; jojoba, avocado, rosehip and argan to name but a few—we’ve never stumbled across one quite as erm… unique-sounding as this one.
Ladies, crocodile oil is hitting the shelves—and we have questions. Here’s what you need to know about the latest skincare marvel to do the rounds.
Immune-boosting properties
If you’re not particularly well-versed in crocodile trivia, you may not know that crocodiles have the most powerful immune system in the entire natural world. Because of this, the oil that’s extracted from the fatty tissues of crocodiles has been used both as both a treatment and a preventative measure for a number of human ailments and conditions for many years and across numerous cultures, including Ancient Egypt, South America and Africa.
And, it ain’t just skin problems croc oil can fix. In a National Geographic documentary, scientist Adam Britton tested crocodile oil and found that it can help fight off serious bacterial MRSA infections. Not just a one-trick pony with short legs and scales, eh?
It’s an antioxidant powerhouse
Crocodile oil is full of Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9, which are all vitally important to skin health and integrity. They serve as essential building blocks for the skin’s surface, however the human body is unable to produce Omegas 3 and 6 on its own; meaning that we need to obtain the nutrients from other sources.
Most important of all, crocodile oil is one of the rare sources that has an abundance of Omega 7—probably the most overlooked of all the Omega’s. This Omega naturally decreases in the body with age, which can result in dull, lifeless, lined skin, and it helps to internally hydrate to combat dry skin, and fight inflammation with can help to combat blemishes.
Ultimately, crocodile oil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and non-comedogenic, and is packed with vitamins, peptides and naturally occurring antioxidants to help fight free radicals.
It can work miracles for all types of skin conditions
While you wouldn’t necessarily assume that the oil of scaly reptiles would be a wonderful antidote to dry skin; you’d better believe that it is. Their fat (which is where the oil is derived) is rich in softening, moisturising ingredients such as antiseptic terpines, vitamin E and A and linoleic acid. This makes it a dream ingredient to treat conditions like eczema and psoriasis. golden8’s Crocodile Oil Complex, for example, stimulates under-active cells and aids with repair and renewal of the skin, helps to assist in the treatment of eczema, rosacea and psoriasis, and even dry lips.
On the flip side, its nourishing, balancing and antibacterial properties also make it a great choice for targeting acne and breakouts (and if you’re apprehensive about using oil to treat acne, read this.) Crocodile oil is also soothing enough to be used on wounds and scars thanks to its high oleic acid content—with this study stating that it dramatically accelerates cell regeneration.
Looks like we’ll be snapping up some croc oil in the not-so-distant future.
